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killer cell
killer cell Either of two types of lymphocyte that destroy infected or cancerous host cells. Natural killer cells are distinct from both T cells and B cells in that they act without stimulation by a specific antigen. They attack cancerous and virus-infected cells that lack the normal class I histocompatibility proteins on their surface. This contrasts with the other type of killer cells – cytotoxic T cells – which require the presence on the surface of the target cell of foreign antigen combined with host histocompatibility proteins. Killer cells destroy their target cells by releasing proteins (perforins) that create pores through the target plasma membrane, thus causing lysis and cell death.
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"killer cell." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "killer cell." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-killercell.html "killer cell." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-killercell.html |
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killer cell
kill·er cell • n. Physiol. a white blood cell (a type of lymphocyte) that destroys infected or cancerous cells. |
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Cite this article
"killer cell." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "killer cell." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-killercell.html "killer cell." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-killercell.html |
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killer cell
killer cell (kil-er) n. see natural killer cell.
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Cite this article
"killer cell." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "killer cell." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-killercell.html "killer cell." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-killercell.html |
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